Ahimsa Leading the Change
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Time to Read: 8 min
I never imagined that stainless steel dishware could spark so much conversation, but here we are. Over the past few years, word about Ahimsa has spread farther than I dreamed it would. From big names in parenting magazines to thoughtful stories in health and sustainability outlets, people are sharing what makes our mission worth talking about. I still get a little thrill every time someone sends me a link to an article about us — part pride, part disbelief, and a whole lot of gratitude. So let’s take a moment together to look at some of the press highlights that have helped carry our story beyond our own kitchen tables.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
Fast Company’s 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards
I didn’t start Ahimsa to win awards. I started it because I was frustrated — frustrated that science was clear and yet kids across the country were still eating from dishes that could leach hormone disruptors right into their food. So when Fast Company named us one of their 2025 World Changing Ideas, I felt a deep mix of gratitude and urgency. Gratitude that this work — this fight for safer school cafeterias, for dishes that actually protect children — was being seen. Urgency because the work isn’t finished. Not even close. We’ve already replaced over a million single-use plastic items in schools through our Conscious Cafeteria Project, but that’s just a start. Being recognized like this reminds me that change is possible... and that we’re not alone in trying to make it happen.
Mealtime Essentials
Three Things I’m Kicking Out of My Kitchen for the New York Post
The New York Post asked me what I’m kicking out of my kitchen for good, and I didn’t have to think twice — plastic. Not in the fridge, not on the table, not around my kids. The science has been telling us for years that certain plastics can interfere with hormones, and as a pediatrician, I just can’t ignore that. But the article only scratches the surface. What we bring into our homes matters, and small changes — like switching to safer, long-lasting materials — add up. I shared my personal list, but I hope it sparks a bigger conversation about what we choose to normalize in our kitchens. There’s a lot more to say, and the full story is worth a read.
The Moms Who Get It Awards at theSkimm
When theSkimm named our Mindful Mealtime Set one of their favorite products for toddlers, I felt genuinely seen, not as a founder, but as a mom trying to do better for her kids. Their MWGI Awards spotlight everyday items that actually make parenting easier, and that's exactly why we created Ahimsa dishes in the first place. Safe materials, smart design, no extra fuss. I love that they noticed how something as simple as a plate can make a real difference at mealtimes. Their team gets it and their list is full of practical wins for parents.
Founder Profile at Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur shared my story of moving from pediatrician to founder, and I’ll admit, it still feels a little surreal. I never set out to be an entrepreneur — I set out to protect kids. The business side came later, once I realized no one else was creating safe, science-backed dishes for children. That shift has been challenging, but it’s also been deeply rewarding. I’ve learned that starting a company isn’t just about products, it’s about people — families, schools, communities who deserve better options. Their article captures that journey, but what excites me most is where we can go from here.
Plastic in School Cafeterias at Motherly
I wrote this piece for Motherly because too many kids are still eating off plastic in their school cafeterias, even though we know better. As a pediatrician, I can’t ignore the science around hormone-disrupting chemicals. As a mom, I can’t ignore the trays my own kids eat from every day. That’s why we launched our Conscious Cafeteria Project—to give schools a real, practical way to swap out single-use plastics for safe, durable steel. Writing for Motherly gave me a chance to speak directly to parents, because change in schools often starts with us.
Ahimsa in the Media Keeps the Focus on Children’s Health
Every article, every award, every feature feels like another step forward in this movement we’re building together. The recognition matters, not because of the spotlight, but because it means more families, more schools, and more communities are learning that safe mealtime choices are possible. From national awards to thoughtful product roundups, these stories help carry the message farther than I could ever do alone. At Ahimsa, we’ll keep designing with science, with care, and with kids at the heart of it all — because their health is worth every bit of attention we can get.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
